Montserrat Tourism Board

Just a 20 minute flight or a ferry ride from Antigua is perhaps the Caribbean’s best kept secret Montserrat, fondly known as The Other Emerald Isle. The island is perhaps most famous for its active Soufrière Hills Volcano, which sprung to life in 1995 and continues to create and provide unique attractions for visitors. Montserrat is also unique in that it is the only country outside of Ireland that celebrates St. Patrick’s Day as a national holiday.

This is a testament to the island’s Irish heritage, and is still evident today from the moment visitors arrive on the island and receive a green shamrock stamp in their passport. Please peruse the information on this page and pay us a visit. Montserrat offers the ideal setting for a day trip from Antigua or a unique and tranquil vacation weekend. With its genuinely friendly people, serene surroundings, and lack of crime and commercialism, you will be drawn to the island year after year.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

The active-minded can hike one of the nine world class nature trails, explore one of the thirty dive sites, or laze on one of the secluded beaches free of harassment. A close-up view of the volcano and a modern-day Pompeii (the buried capital city Plymouth) is also a must – whether by boat or from the Montserrat Volcano Observatory. www.mvo.ms .

World class events such as St Patrick’s Week (March 11-20), Calabash Festival (July 17-24), Open Fishing Tournament (October 30), Volcano Half Marathon (November 26) and Festival (December/January) are also main draws for visitors. http://www.visitmontserrat.com/Calendar_of_Events

Montserrat also boasts a number of luxury villas, intimate guesthouses, apartments and hotels that are quite affordable. There are no fast food chains, so meals are mostly enjoyed in warm, family run restaurants, ranging from the casual to elegant. Enjoying a drink in one of the many free pouring bars and rum shops, with their “Cheers” like atmosphere, is also a must.

TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT MONTSERRAT

1. Everyone’s A Volcanologist – Montserrat has the highest number of volcanologists per capita in the world. Be patient and take in the geography lesson, as you might be told to “kiss my ash.”

2. Montserrat Is A Time Capsule – Montserrat is probably one of the only islands that represent what a true Caribbean holiday used to be. Its people are warm and humble and crime is virtually non-existent.

3. Luxury Villa Vacations at Bed & Breakfast Prices– Montserrat boasts a number of luxurious villas at rental rates that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

4. Fast Food Chains And Traffic Jams – We Don’t Think So! Montserrat has no fast food chain restaurants and traffic jams involve about five cars and the occasional goat or donkey.

5. Grey Snow And Multiple Ash Wednesdays – Safely marvel at the magnificent Soufriere Hills Volcano from several vantage points and if lucky, you might get a light dusting of ash, or as the locals call it, “grey snow.”

GETTING HERE/DAY TRIPS

Montserrat is easily accessible from Antigua by air or sea.

FERRY SERVICE
- Fast ferry from Antigua 4 days a week
- Trip takes 2 hours
- Day trip packages available
- For details call Roosevelt Jemmotte in Montserrat at (664) 496 9912 and Jennifer Burke in Antigua at (268) 722-9133 or click here link should be

FLY MONTSERRAT
- Two (2) daily scheduled flights
- Charter services also available
- 9-seater Britten Normal Islander Aircrafts used
- Call 664 491 3434 or click here